Stereo 3-D Rendezvous with Interacting Galaxies Arp 273

This movie presents a visualization of the interacting galaxy group known as Arp 273. This unique three-dimensional view presents a visual reminder that the objects in Hubble images are not all at the same distance, but rather spread across light-years of space. The two-dimensional Hubble image has been combined with a wider, ground-based image of the region around Arp 273. To create a three-dimensional scene, the foreground stars and background galaxies have been separated out of the combined image. The shape and geometry of the interacting group is based on scientific knowledge and intuition when possible, and artistic license as needed. Astronomy and computer graphics combine to create a visual representation of a natural scene that can not be experienced in person, but which inspires the imagination.

This version of the movie is presented in anaglyph stereo 3D and is viewable with glasses that have a red lens over the left eye and a cyan (a.k.a. blue-green) lens over the right eye. Such glasses are often made of cardboard and have been distributed in numerous 3-D promotions. An internet search for "red cyan anaglyph glasses" will provide many options for obtaining such glasses.